Fuller developing into all-around Purdue running back

Journal & Courier Purdue insiders Mike Carmin and Nathan Baird and host Clayton Duffy break down what we now know, and questions that remain, as the Boilermakers close down fall camp.
Nathan Baird/Journal & Courier

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. –This is how Chris Barclay describes Tario Fuller’s hands, the same ones expected to catch passes this season.

“It’s like he has two left feet,” Purdue’s running backs coach said.

Granted, Fuller is a running back. Still, this was far from high praise.

When told of Barclay’s comments, Fuller paused, smiled and offered a response.

“Am I supposed to comment on that?” Fuller asked. “Do you want to hear what I have to say about that?”

Yes, we do.

“I say when it’s game time I’ll catch everything,” the sophomore said.

We’ll hold Fuller to his statement.

The Georgia native exited spring practice atop the depth chart at running back and continues to reside near the No. 1 spot as training camp came to a close Saturday.

Being a threat in the passing game is more about developing into a versatile back, one that can be trusted in all situations. It appears all the running backs will get opportunities to do more than just run the ball in coach Jeff Brohm’s offense as the season unfolds.

His 6-foot, 190-pound frame allows his speed and quickness to stand out. He does lack experience – he had 10 carries last season – but has shown enough to earn more playing time in the spring and during camp.

“I don’t think experience is the problem but maturity was the problem,” Fuller said. “It was moving a little too fast for me at the beginning. I was in the same position but it was still moving too fast for me. It’s more natural; I don’t go out there and think a ton.”

“It’s a different type of effort now,” Fuller said. “I want to be first in everything. I may not be the strongest in the weight room but I’m going to compete like it. I’m going to have to break some stuff before they pull me off the field.”

Back to those hands.

Barclay said they’re Fuller’s nemesis. He did catch five passes for 51 yards last season but continues to move forward in this area. Ask Jones, who probably has the best hands of all the running backs.

“This summer, I drilled him,” Jones said. “He knows his weakness and we identified that. He’s been working with the JUGS (Machine). He has improved. As often as possible, he’s catching balls.”

Fuller said he caught a 30-yard pass from backup quarterback Elijah Sindelar in the team’s first closed scrimmage Aug. 12. No doubt, a sign of progress.

It's been a daily focus throughout the summer and during camp.

“It’s something that I have gotten better at,” Fuller said. “When I first got here, I had two left feet but now I’ve worked all summer on my hands and it’s something I’ve actually improved on. When it’s game time, I’ll catch them.”